Blackwater Islands imperial

to leave —

ingram wants to scowl at the words as if they personally offended him. it does not surprise him: this was a condition of his role as keeper. he had hoped it would not be so soon though. regardless of his personal upset at leaving her and blackwater so soon, he will do as she bid him. he gives a solemn nod of his head. though protest bubbles like lava seething beneath a volcano he knows he cannot. still, knowing it his duty does not change the fact that he is weary to leave her and blackwater.

not for long, though. this knowledge brings him some small measure of relief.

yes, listener. he replies to her, using her title; for in this moment she is not his trikova but his listener and she has given him command.

a question then; almost childlike as he asks —

when will i know i have learned what i must? or was it not for him to know but her?